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‘Mini Paralympics’ honour for inspirational teenager Hannah

A 14-year-old girl who lost her arms and legs after contracting meningitis was honoured today for her achievements in a “mini Paralympics” for young disabled Londoners.

Hannah Olateju, from Coulsdon, was crowned Panathlon Challenge competitor of the year at the Jack Petchey Outstanding Achievement Awards ceremony, held at the Olympic gallery suite in John Lewis, Stratford.

The Panathlon Challenge is a competition that runs throughout the year involving more than 3,500 disabled children from across the country.

Hannah attends Woodcote High School in Coulsdon and participates in sport at St Giles Special School in Croydon. Her arms and legs were amputated when she was a young child.

Teachers praised her progress, saying that she had gained hugely in confidence through Panathlon, competing in table cricket, wheelchair slalom and orienteering. She has also walked on prosthetic legs in public for the first time. St Giles teacher Lynda Williams said her achievement was “remarkable” and she was “a true role model for her peers ... Hannah is willing to give any sport a go and holds the belief that nothing is impossible if you apply yourself.”

Panathlon Challenge founder Ashley Iceton added: “Hannah has demonstrated that her sporting ability is not hampered by her disability.

“She is living proof of the Paralympic spirit of competing to the highest sporting level despite the obstacles that life has thrown her. She is truly inspiring.”

Hannah was given her award by swimmer Liz Johnson, a three-times Paralympic medallist. Also honoured at the ceremony were Fatima Ismael, 17, of Shaftesbury High School, Harrow, who came second, and Charlie Roberts, 16, of Glebe School, Bromley, who was in third place.